The Royal Parks are the most dependable starting point for a park day in London. They publish consistent visitor information and, according to the Royal Parks charity, you can explore any of them for free. This guide groups them by the kind of outing you want instead of ranking them. It covers the Royal Parks only; London has many other fine parks, which we will cover in separate guides.
Details were checked on the Royal Parks website on 2 October 2026. Gate times, events and closures change, so check the page for your chosen park before you go.
Best parks in London by type of outing
| A long walk with wildlife | Richmond Park or Bushy Park |
| A flat walk in central London | Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, St. James’s Park or The Green Park |
| Gardens and playgrounds | The Regent’s Park & Primrose Hill, or Hyde Park |
| A view and some history | Greenwich Park |
| Somewhere quieter and unusual | Brompton Cemetery or Victoria Tower Gardens |
Long walks and wildlife
Richmond Park covers 2,500 acres and is home to ancient trees, herds of deer and the Isabella Plantation. For a full outing, the Royal Parks suggest the Tamsin Trail, an 11 km loop they say takes roughly two to four hours. A shorter 2.4 km section of the Beverley Brook walk takes about 45 minutes, and Pembroke Lodge has tea rooms for a midway stop.
Bushy Park, north of Hampton Court Palace, is the second largest Royal Park at over 1,000 acres and also has wild deer. Its Woodland Gardens and the Pheasantry Cafe make a natural centrepiece for a visit.
Both parks have deer, so follow the Royal Parks’ guidance: keep at least 50 metres away, and further when deer are active, and keep dogs on leads. Our autumn in London guide covers the deer rut in more detail.
Flat walks in central London
Hyde Park is known for major events and has gardens, children’s playgrounds, sports facilities and historic monuments. The Royal Parks publish a self-guided walk of about 4.1 miles that takes roughly an hour and a half at a relaxed pace, on a largely flat route. Neighbouring Kensington Gardens covers 265 acres.
St. James’s Park is the oldest Royal Park and sits at the heart of ceremonial London, with lake and fountain views from St. James’s Café. The Green Park is a peaceful triangle of mature trees and grassland, a quieter option between the two.
Gardens and playgrounds
The Regent’s Park & Primrose Hill has a large wetland area, gardens, children’s playgrounds and sports facilities. It suits a longer, varied day, particularly with children. For more family ideas, see our guide to family days out in London.
A view and some history
Greenwich Park mixes a 17th-century landscape with gardens and a history that goes back to Roman times. The Royal Parks highlight a 750-year-old Queen Elizabeth Oak, and the highest hill has wide views across the London skyline. The Royal Observatory sits in the park. Pair it with the free museums nearby, covered in our guide to things to do in London.
Quieter and less obvious
Brompton Cemetery in west London is Grade I listed, is the resting place of over 200,000 people and is also a haven for wildlife. Treat it with the respect due to a working cemetery. Victoria Tower Gardens is a small pocket of green space in Westminster that is home to several memorials.
Planning tips
- Use the TfL Journey Planner for your route, and check for weekend engineering works.
- Check the park page for gate hours, events and closures before a late or early visit.
- Wear sturdy shoes; paths in the larger parks can be muddy.
- Looking for more free ideas? See our guide to free things to do in London.
FAQs
Are the Royal Parks free?
Yes. The Royal Parks say you can explore any Royal Park for free, although some events and activities inside them are ticketed.
Which London park is best for a long walk?
Richmond Park is the strongest option for a long walk, with a suggested 11 km Tamsin Trail. Bushy Park is a quieter alternative.
Sources checked
- The Royal Parks: London’s Royal Parks
- The Royal Parks: Richmond Park
- The Royal Parks: Bushy Park
- The Royal Parks: Hyde Park
- The Royal Parks: Greenwich Park
- Featured image: Architypist2, Richmond Park deer, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
